In a knockout game for South Africa, the Proteas must beat the Netherlands to go through to the semi-finals in Sunday’s opening fixture in Adelaide.

The Dutch have improved with every passing game and Pakistan will hope that Scott Edwards’ team do them a favour by upsetting the Proteas.

South Africa are comfortably placed in their quest for a semi-final berth. They have the highest net run-rate in Group 2 (1.441). But a washout — which is unlikely given the forecast — could spell trouble since they could be tied on 6 points with Pakistan if Babar Azam’s men defeat Bangladesh. Pakistan will then have 3 wins as compared to South Africa’s 2.

South Africa have won five of their six white-ball matches against the Dutch with one being washed out. In the teams’ only meeting in T20s, during the 2014 World Cup, South Africa won by six runs.

David Miller missed Thursday’s match against Pakistan because of back spasms. He looked good at training on Saturday and has been passed fit. But South Africa might want to give him another day’s rest ahead of their semi-final.

“In T20s, teams get closer together. And we still need to beat them. They’ve shown that they can play good cricket... If we bring our A-game I reckon we should have enough,” pacer Wayne Parnell said on the match-eve.

South Africa have never reached the final of a World Cup, but Parnell said the unity and hunger of this side gives them hope.

“I think the first thing that really stands out is the unity. I think people are really enjoying other people’s successes, also everyone just trusting each other,” said Parnell.

“Not really looking at one or two players to put in performances for us. Also everybody is hungry to go the distance. That’s probably one thing that stands out for me.”

Asked about South Africa’s reputation for choking, Parnell said: “When we get that first trophy hopefully it will go away, but until then it will always be there.”